His rise to prominence mirrored that of the only professional football team he would ever play for. A third-round pick that began as a sometimes-defensive end and special teams player, Bruschi went full-tilt, full-time for 10 years as a starting linebacker, captain, pro bowler, and three-time world champion.

Even a shocking, debilitating stroke in 2005 – suffered mere hours after his crowning NFL achievement – was not enough to stop him. He battled back to play four more seasons after his very life had hung in the balance.

As a result, few players have forged a more impenetrable bond with fans. From modest beginnings this Everyman reached the ultimate goal, armed only with his God-given abilities and honest, relentless effort. It was the kind of dream we have for ourselves, and in living it, Tedy Bruschi not only entertained us but lifted our very spirits.

But time…time we cannot deny. As the Patriots prepared for another season, this franchise icon almost seemed to linger behind. It was as if Bruschi, so much a part of the team’s history, was struggling to find his place in its future. Today he ends that search, though the example he set is sure to echo in the locker room and on the field for years to come.

Mere words are not sufficient to express our admiration and affection for him. Yet we, and so many over the next few days, will try. We can only hope that we do our jobs as well as Tedy Bruschi did over 13 unforgettable seasons.

4 thoughts on “Bruschi Takes a Bow Today”

“From modest beginnings this Everyman reached the ultimate goal, armed only with his God-given abilities and honest, relentless effort. It was the kind of dream we have for ourselves, and in living it, Tedy Bruschi not only entertained us but lifted our very spirits.”
That’s it. Well said, Scott. I think that’s why he connected with fans on a whole different level than many other players do. I just enjoyed watching the guy play if for no other reason than he seemed to be enjoying the hell out of it himself. He retires a champion and does it the right way.

It’s kind of funny to praise Bruschi for the same thing for which we dismiss Favre: “Just having fun out there.” The distinction was Bruschi’s genuine love for the game. Favre isn’t having fun until the camera’s focused on him.